Salley Carson has shared more insight into her current relationship with Craig Conover. The South Carolina native dropped the update after ringing in her 31st birthday with all of her fellow Southern Charm-ers… well, most of them.
Salley posted more than a dozen photos of her and her castmates enjoying a fun night out at Halls Chophouse, an upscale steak and seafood restaurant located on King Street.
“Look at us getting along for my 31st bday!!” she captioned the January 22 post.
Did Salley Carson invite Craig Conover to her birthday celebration?
The Instagram showed Salley celebrating with Venita Aspen, Austen Kroll, Madison LeCroy, Molly O’Connell, Rodrigo Reyes, Shep Rose, Charley Manley, Whitner Slagsvol, and Whitney Sudler-Smith. It was a full-on Southern Charm reunion with one noticeable absence.
“Where’s Craig?” a fan asked.
The question appeared multiple times in the comments section, as some wondered whether Salley intentionally excluded Craig from the festivities. The birthday girl quickly squashed the beef speculation and explained why Craig missed out on the cast get-together.
RELATED: Salley Carson Speaks Out on Romance Rumors with West Wilson (DETAILS)
“He was invited!!” she responded to the fan. “He was unfortunately out of town.”
As seen on Instagram, Craig was, in fact, traveling at the time of Salley’s birthday party. The Southern Charm-er had touched down in Indianapolis over the weekend for a Sewing Down South pop-up event.
Salley Carson confesses her feelings for Craig Conover
It’s no secret that Salley and Craig’s relationship has been somewhat rocky. The pair began Season 11 on great terms, as they enjoyed multiple hangout sessions and flirty exchanges. In Episode 7, Salley finally told Craig that she had developed feelings for him — and they weren’t platonic.
“I mean, me and you have obviously gotten to be really good friends,” she told him. “But, like, I’ve been kinda catching some feelings. I’m saying I’m liking you. Like, I can date you.”
RELATED: Craig Conover, Salley & Charley Reveal What *Really* Happened in the Hot Tub (EXCLUSIVE)
Craig immediately informed Salley that the feeling wasn’t mutual.
“Yeah, I mean, I just — I don’t see it. We’re just friends,” he told her.
Visibly confused, Salley began questioning Craig about their recent interactions.
“I guess if you don’t see yourself being in a relationship, or moving down that path, then why are me and you hanging out in the hot tub until 4 a.m.?” she asked.
“Because I was like, ‘Oh, cool, maybe we might, like, do something. Maybe this might go somewhere,’” Craig admitted. “But then, it didn’t.”
Craig Conover defends friend-zoning Salley Carson
Salley shed more light on the awkward moment on the Southern Charm After Show, suggesting that Craig had led her on.
“I don’t think I was just, like, pulling it out of my ass,” she said. “Like, we’re hanging out all the time, we’re talking all the time, and I’m at his house until 5 a.m. all the time. And then he’s FaceTime-ing me all night. … We had a lot of chemistry.”
Craig insisted he never meant to give Salley the wrong impression and believed he made his feelings quite clear after he declined her request to spend the night at his house.
“I don’t like hurting people’s feelings, and I thought I had made it clear,” he said. “I don’t think she wanted to take the hint.”
See how Salley reacted after learning Craig had asked Charley out on a date.
